THE HOBBS FAMILY AWARD
The Hobbs family award is presented each year to a member who has given over and above what is necessary to keep the tradition of what makes the Salem Willows Yacht Club the special place that it is.
“To those who give the most of themselves for the betterment of the Salem Willows Yacht Club.”
Commodore Justin Steele presents the Hobbs Award to Elvira Schoenthal (April 2026).
“I applied to Salem Willows,” he added, “and if I recall correctly, there was a question on the application about how I intended to use the club. I simply wrote, ‘Pass through access to my boat,’ and I had every intention to pay my way through my work hours assessment. However, I found my way to a couple events and within a few years, I was on the board and shortly after serving as Fleet Captain. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of so many here in this room, but one person in particular who has kept me organized, harassed me about my procrastination, and completed numerous background tasks on my behalf—virtually handing me the answers and letting me submit it as my own work.
“There are some people here who just can’t seem to leave others alone. They have this incessant need to get members engaged, facilitate members getting to know each other and always make sure there are more activities going on that anyone could possibly attend.
“This year I have chosen a member who not only has been of incredible value to me personally but I believe to the club as a whole for the past 28 years. Someone who I see working to revitalize the social aspects of this club, generating new ideas for engagement with not only our own membership, but others in the larger boating community, which I believe is setting the stage to help us grow and thrive for another 93 years,” Steele said.
The Hobbs family award is presented each year to a member who has given over and above what is necessary to keep the tradition of what makes the Salem Willows Yacht Club the special place that it is. Congratulations to Vice Commodore Elvira Schoenthal.
ABOUT THE HOBBS FAMILY AWARD
Ralph Hobbs Sr. was one of the original founders of the club and served as treasurer from 1937 to 1960. Ralph’s son, Ralph Jr. (Red) served on the Board of Governors for thirty years and as Commodore in 1940.
Mr. Hobbs youngest son Everett ( Bud ) Hobbs served as treasure from 1961 to 1975.
Also, Bud could always be counted on to supply food for functions and also allowed the club to store boats and materials at the family owned store in the park.
Presently, there is Charles Hobbs, son of Everett, who served as a launch operator for three years, and still helps the club on special occasions.
HOBBS AWARD RECIPIENTS
2026 – Elvira Schoenthal
2025 – Peter Concannon
2024 – John Hayes – PC
2023 – Tony Brooks – PC
2022 – Rich McGlynn
2021 – John Regan
2020 – Jodi Jarvis
2019 – Mike Madison – PC
2018 – Jim Garfield – PC
2017 – Kevin Neumann – PC
2016 – Bob Chadwick – PC
2015 – Sandy Luzinsky
2014 – Jean Cobb
2013- Michael Cucchi – PC
2012 – Bob & Anne Olenio – PC, PC
2011 – Paul Luzinski – PC
2010 – Don Bates – PC
2009 – Marie Gordon
2008 – Thomas McLaughlin – PC
2007 – Louis “Lou” Schoenthal – PC
2006 – Patrick O’Connor – PC
2005 – Edmond “Moe” Morneau – PC
2004 – Edward “Whitey” Plecinoga – PC
2003 – Dave Sullivan
2002 – George E. Garland
2001 – Roland F. Gauthier
2000 – John & Mary Cronin